Over the next three-years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatchewan will be benefiting from Conexus Credit Union funding to support mentoring relationships including Lloydminster.
A total of $195,000 will go towards the five agencies across the province that serve in 17 communities.
Executive director Brenda Robinson describes it as “a big investment”, as this will support the mentor and mentee matching relationship. She says the amount of funds received will vary each year based on the number of matches.
“So for year-one, Lloydminster got $3528. Year-two and three will be determined at the time when we know how many matches we have for that particular year.”
Robinson says the demand for mentors tends to increase month-to-month in Lloydminster and presently there are 30-matches with 21-children on the waiting list for a mentor.
She says for a young person facing adversity, they are looking for that “additional, consistent and supportive developmental relationship” that is life-changing.
“That relationship can change the trajectory of their (a young person’s) life. We intentionally recruit volunteers based on the needs of our community’s youth and we match them with a professionally screened volunteer mentor who is trained. And we support the mentor, the mentee and the family, while being monitored and supported through a professional case-worker.”
She adds Conexus Credit Union sees the importance of developing youth.
“They believe in leadership; in developing young leaders. Mentorship is a key part of what they do and something they are actively promoting, not only with their own employees, but also through community partnerships like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatchewan.”
Robinson concludes that as people look back at their own lives they can find people who made a difference. She encourages residents to consider offering their time to be a mentor to youth.
